In the News: "RMV waives REAL ID upgrade fees next year for those who renew licenses this summer"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

For the more than half-a-million people with a Massachusetts driver’s license or identification card expiring this summer, the Registry of Motor Vehicles is offering to waive the fees for upgrading to a REAL ID next year if people renew their standard licenses online by Aug. 12.

Those who qualify for the deal and choose to participate will have to wait until at least February 2021 to visit an RMV Service Center for the upgrade to REAL ID for free. The federal government has delayed requiring REAL ID cards for the purposes of boarding domestic flights until October 2021.

“We hope they will all take advantage of this one-time offer for a free, future upgrade to allow the RMV to prioritize ‘social-distancing’ and other essential transactions that may only be completed in-person,” said RMV Registrar Jamey Tesler.

 ....

“This one-time, time limited offer is available to most customers who have an expired or expiring license or ID card dated between March 2020 and August 2021, as renewals are allowed up to two years after expiration, or up to a year in advance of the expiration date printed on their license or ID,” officials wrote.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200621/rmv-waives-real-id-upgrade-fees-next-year-for-those-who-renew-licenses-this-summer/1

Renew your license online
https://atlas-myrmv.massdot.state.ma.us/myrmv/

 

RMV waives REAL ID upgrade fees next year for those who renew licenses this summer

MBTA: Commuter Rail schedule changes June 22

Summer Commuter Rail schedules go into effect today, Monday, June 22. Paper schedules are available at North Station, South Station, and Back Bay. PDF copies can be found on the MBTA website at mbta.com/cr.

For those who utilize the MBTA Commuter Rail application, please make sure to update the schedule in your application prior to travel on June 22.

Last Updated: Jun 22 2020 05:21 AM 

MBTA: Commuter Rail schedule changes June 22

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - June 23, 2020

Franklin School Committee 

June 23, 2020 - 7:00 PM

Meetings are recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29

□ Vision Statement □

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

LOCATION: Remote participation via:
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95630404218?pwd=cjdpMU5DdVFXYlp6Y2svUVhJYzg3Zz09 
Meeting ID: 956 3040 4218
Password: FSC

One tap mobile  +13017158592,,95630404218#,,,,0#,,036551# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 956 3040 4218
Password: 036551

Agenda

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. none

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Budget Discussion and Revised FY 21 Budget
I recommend the School Committee adopt a revised budget of $65, 658,500 as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_fy21_revised_budget_0.pdf

B. School Committee Resolution: “COVID-19 State Funding”
I recommend the School Committee adopt the School Committee Resolution “COVID-19 State Funding” as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_resolution.pdf

C. School Committee Resolution: “Resolution in Support of Funding in the COVID-19 Era”
I recommend the School Committee adopt the School Committee Resolution “Resolution in Support of Funding in the COVID-19 Era” as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_resolution.pdf

D. School Committee Resolution: “Anti-Racism Resolution”
I recommend the School Committee adopt the School Committee Resolution “Anti-Racism Resolution” as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_resolution.pdf

E. Franklin High School Class of 2020 Student Activity Account
I recommend that the Franklin High School Class of 2020 be permitted to carry over $20,000 from student activity funds instead of the customary $10,000 as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_fhs_activity_accounts.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Questionnaire
B. 2020-21 School Committee Schedule

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your June 9, 2020 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. American Heart Association Gift
I recommend acceptance of the gift of $2,800.00 from the American Heart Association for the Kid’s Heart Challenge to be disbursed as detailed.
D. Approval of Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from your June 9, 2020 school committee meeting as detailed to be released.
E. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,700.00 from the Music Boosters for in-house enrichment as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN, FEA/Cafeteria, FEA/ESP, FEA/Secretaries, FEA/Van Drivers as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the Non-Union Personnel as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment


The meeting packet and related documents released for this session
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-23-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee  - Agenda - June 23, 2020

FM #303 Talk Franklin - 6/19/20 (audio)

FM #303 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 303 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about

Re-opening

• Part 2, Phase 2 just announced
• BoH numbers for Franklin, only 4 active cases

FY 2021 Budget recap, Town Council meeting next week (6/24)

Spotlight on Technology

• Internet on FHS field?

Cultural closing

• NPR streaming of 9:30 Club concerts

The recording runs about 53 minutes. Listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie

https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/The-latest-on-Franklin-budget--reopening-and-current-events-efmd3o




--------------

FY 2021 budget info
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

9:30 Club Concert queue on NPR
https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2020/05/29/864470936/stream-over-100-shows-from-the-9-30-club

Background info on 9:30 club
https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2020/05/29/863722379/the-9-30-club-is-40-years-old-its-closed-it-matters-more-than-ever

Jamie and Steve live on the ‘pre-game’ for the Budget hearing on Wednesday, June 17
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-301-talk-franklin-pregame-live-61720.html

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!
------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Jamie Hellen on the FHS field during the budget hearing Thursday, June 18

FHS Parade and Graduation video schedule on Franklin TV

Franklin All-Access 
Comcast Channel 8; Verizon Channel 26

Sunday
12:00 PM FHS Graduation 2020
04:00 PM FHS Car Parade 2020

Monday
08:00 AM FHS Graduation 2020
03:30 PM FHS Car Parade 2020

Tuesday
07:30 PM FHS Senior Awards 2020

Wednesday
08:30 AM FHS Senior Awards 2020
05:30 PM FHS Graduation 2020

Thursday
11:00 AM FHS Senior Awards 2020

Saturday
04:30 PM FHS Graduation 2020

Franklin Pride 
Comcast Channel 96; Verizon Channel 28

Sunday
03:31 PM FHS Car Parade 2020
09:00 PM FHS Senior Awards 2020

Monday
05:34 PM FHS Graduation 2020

Tuesday
09:01 AM FHS Graduation 2020

Wednesday
11:00 AM FHS Senior Awards 2020
06:30 PM FHS Car Parade 2020

Thursday
08:00 AM FHS Graduation 2020
04:30 PM FHS Senior Awards 2020

Friday
01:30 PM FHS Senior Awards 2020

Saturday
03:30 PM FHS Graduation 2020
09:30 PM FHS Car Parade 2020

The full schedule can be found in the TV guide for this week
http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Or for historical record
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KMG9O5MPDqDtTs5Mc6-i20g-MRm-PWpK/view?usp=sharing

FHS Parade and Graduation video schedule on Franklin TV

SNETT Storywalk(R) Through June 28

"Please enjoy the StoryWalk along the SNETT in Bellingham, MA. The StoryWalk(R) is installed at the Center St. trailhead.

Please observe social distancing when visiting or wear a mask if 6ft distance cannot be maintained. Thank you.

The StoryWalk(R) Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kello-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk(R) is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson."

Shared from the FBRTC page
https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/june-storywalkr-on-the-snett/

SNETT Storywalk(R) Through June 28

Gov Baker: “Reopening Massachusetts is working”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Restaurants that have been serving patrons on patios and sidewalks for the past two weeks will be able to welcome diners indoors beginning Monday as Gov. Charlie Baker announced Friday that he was triggering the next stage of his economic reopening plan.

In the midst of a heat wave, no less.

Baker, at a State House press conference, also said offices would be able to bring back to work more employees and increase their capacity from one quarter to 50% of their workforce. And close-contact personal services offered at nail salons, massage and tattoo parlors and personal training can resume on June 22.

The progress through the phases of the Baker’s administration’s reopening strategy comes as Massachusetts has continued to see downward trends in hospitalizations, which are now under 1,000, and positive test rates, which have fallen to 2.3%."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200620/baker-reopening-massachusetts-is-working/1

Additional info on the re-opening Part 2, Phase II
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/reopening-massachusetts-baker-polito.html

"With the state’s finances in disarray and the COVID-19 pandemic making it extremely difficult to predict the next 12 months, Gov. Charlie Baker on Friday filed a $5.25 billion interim spending bill that would keep government running beyond June 30 through July.

The new fiscal year is set to begin in less than two weeks, but neither the House nor the Senate have produced an annual spending proposal as they wait to gauge how severely the pandemic-caused recession will erode state tax revenues, and how slowly or quickly the economy might rebound.

House and Senate leaders have not laid out a timeline yet for completion of a budget for the full fiscal year, but Baker said the money that would be authorized in the temporary budget would be sufficient to cover government operations through July."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200620/baker-seeks-525b-interim-state-budget

Town of Franklin: COVID-19 portal

Reopening Massachusetts: Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Step Two of Second Phase of Four-Phase Approach

Consistent with Public Health Data and Trends, Step Two of Phase II of Reopening Massachusetts Set to Begin on June 22

Today (Friday, June 19, 2020), the Baker-Polito Administration announced that Step Two of Phase II of the Commonwealth’s four-phase reopening plan, Reopening Massachusetts, will begin on Monday, June 22 to allow additional industries to resume operations under sector-specific guidelines.

Businesses and sectors set to begin operating in Step Two of Phase II are subject to compliance with all mandatory safety standards.

On May 18, the Administration released a four-phased plan to reopen the economy based on public health data, spending at least three weeks in each phase. Key public health data, such as new cases and hospitalizations, has been closely monitored and seen a significant decline allowing for Step Two of Phase II to begin on June 22.

The following will be eligible to reopen in Step Two of Phase II on Monday, June 22:

• Indoor table service at restaurants;
• Close-contact personal services, with restrictions;
• Retail dressing rooms, by appointment only;
• Offices, at 50 percent capacity

Full list and safety protocols available at www.mass.gov/reopening.

In order to give Step 2 businesses time to prepare, the Administration had previously released sector-specific guidance in advance of Phase II for industries including restaurants, close-contact personal services and sectors not otherwise addressed:

• Guidance for Restaurants  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-restaurants
• Guidance for Close-Contact Personal Services  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-close-contact-personal-services
• Guidance for Other Industries  https://www.mass.gov/resource/reopening-sector-specific-protocols-and-best-practices
• Guidance for Sectors Not Otherwise Addressed  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-sectors-not-otherwise-addressed

Before these sectors can resume operations under the guidelines, businesses must meet all safety standards, create a COVID-19 control plan, and complete a self-certification.

VIEW THE FULL REPORT  https://www.mass.gov/doc/reopening-massachusetts

VIEW GOVERNOR BAKER’S PHASE II EXECUTIVE ORDER  https://www.mass.gov/doc/june-6-2020-phase-ii-reopening

Video update link for June 19, 2020 = https://youtu.be/jT5dDSQIHUU

Franklin Downtown Partnership Reminds Residents to "Keep It Local"

The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) wants to remind residents to “keep it local” by supporting small businesses in Franklin who have been there for them year after year.

With this in mind the FDP's goal is to provide Franklin residents with one place they can visit for all updated information on local businesses, as well as one website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, which lists small businesses in Franklin that sell gift cards.

“During this time of social distancing, the Franklin Downtown Partnership is working hard to keep the community updated on the re-opening plans for each business,” said FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana. “With each new opening phase there is new information that needs to be communicated to residents. The FDP is committed to getting this information out in a timely manner.”

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Businesses should email the FDP at Downtown.Franklin@yahoo.com so they can get their updated business information listed on the Partnership website.

Franklin business owners or residents who would like to receive the FDP newsletters should contact the FDP office. The newsletter provides updates on local businesses, town news and information that affects local businesses. The FDP also provides lots of information through social media - follow the FDP on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of more than 300 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. Visit www.franklindowntownpartnership.org for more information. 

Pantherbook: "Getting To Know Our New Principal, Mr. Hanna"

Via Pantherbook we find an introduction to Mr Hanna, the new FHS Principal.

"As Franklin High School says a goodbye to our former principal, Mr.Peri, many of us are curious about the new chapter of our high school, and the person who will lead it. Starting the fall 2020-2021 school year, we will receive Mr.Hanna as our new principal. Keep reading if you want to know more about Mr.Hanna, his plans for the school, or how you will be affected by him!

Here is a little background about our incoming principal. Mr.Hanna has two kids, 9, and 12, so he is familiar with the highs and lows of school received by students. Previously an assistant principal at Hopkinton High School since 2013, Mr.Hanna is experienced in the field of educational leadership;

“I think just understanding the logistics of a school, the scheduling, the behind the scenes work that as a teacher you’re not as aware of; also having difficult conversations with parents, students, and teachers… anytime you’re a leader you’re dealing with situations that aren’t simple. So it helped me learn how to effectively lead a school…” he says, in response to how his leadership at HHS has prepared him to take on the role of principal at FHS.

Prior to his position Hopkinton, Mr.Hanna was a History teacher and football coach at Natick High School for 13 years. A chance to grow and the pride of Franklin in its students, schools, and teachers motivated him to make the move to Franklin."

Continue reading this at Pantherbook
https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2020/06/16/getting-to-know-our-new-principal-mr-hanna/

Shared via Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1273000783919951874?s=09

Joshua Hanna, incoming FHS Principal (Pantherbook photo)

Last 50+ Program Franklin session - June 26 - "Creating focus and momentum in your job search"

Date: Friday June 26; 9 AM
Platform: Zoom
Hosting Town: Franklin
Topic: Creating focus and momentum in your job search
If Time Permits: We will also discuss Dealing with Ageism.

Special Guest: Tom McDonough of the Institute for Career Transitions

Tom is a career and life coach, Director of Programs and founding Board member for the Institute for Career Transitions. Though his career story has allowed him to experience many roles, the underlying theme is helping colleagues clarify and align personal and career goals with their core values.

Tom will teach you a two-part approach to create focus and momentum in your job search:

1. Job Search Triage: Identifying where the bottlenecks are located in your search.
2. Next Step Sprint: Once you identify your highest leveraged activity, that if achieved, will keep you moving forward, you'll design a two-week sprint to achieve that outcome.

Program Pre-Registration (once per town location) is required: https://50plusjobseekers.org/outreach/registration/

If you have registered previously with the town that virtually hosts the session, there is no need for you to register again.

Session Registration is also required for this specific online meeting:

After you register for the 50+ Program, we will place you on a list to receive the email that contains the session's registration information.


For additional information about this program, please contact Erin Rogers; Social Services Coordinator, Franklin Senior Center; erogers@franklinma.gov; (508) 520-4945.

50+ Program Franklin session - June 26

Let's Go On With the Show: A Virtual Benefit for the Franklin Performing Arts Company

Join this star-studded cast on Sunday, June 21 at 7:00 pm EDT on the FPAC YouTube channel for an evening of fundraising with fantastic performances by Tony Award Winners, Broadway Stars, FPAC Favorites, and more!

Donations made throughout the evening will support FPAC and help keep THE BLACK BOX open!

View the Facebook Event here  https://www.facebook.com/events/264355961342385/

Let's Go On With the Show

Town of Franklin: COVID-19 Case Count Status

"The chart below details the confirmed, recovered, and isolated cases of COVID-19 in the Town of Franklin. This data reflects the most current information available and will be updated with additional information as confirmed counts are released through the Franklin Board of Health from the state Department of Public Health (DPH). Data for this table is based on information available in the Department of Public Health surveillance database at a single point in time.Case counts for specific cities and towns change throughout the day, as data cleaning occurs(removal of duplicate reports within the system) and new demographic information (assigning cases to their city or town of residence) is obtained. Statewide data is here​ (https://www.wbur.org/commonhealth/2020/04/16/coronavirus-cases-by-city-and-town-in-massachusetts)."

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/covid-19_case_counts_6.pdf

This confirms that what we are doing (social distancing, face coverings, washing hands, etc.) is working. Let's keep it up as we gradually re-open.

Town of Franklin: COVID-19 Case Count Status

Franklin Historical Museum: COVID-19 Archive Project Survey

The Historical Museum is conducting a survey on what we are doing during this pandemic.

"As you well know, we are currently living through an event which will become a dash on historical timelines in future classrooms around the world. It will be a date memorized by history majors and a subject studied by researchers, scientists, and anthropologists alike as they work to understand what happened - how the spread occurred, what our response was, and how people across the globe pulled together to fight, to survive, and to find moments of joy in otherwise uncertain times.

The COVID-19 outbreak has challenged us all in ways we did not know were possible. Many of us have had to endure the unthinkable from losing jobs and suddenly becoming a homeschool teacher to worrying if it’s safe to take a walk down the street. But, it has also sparked some extraordinary and astonishing stories about the human spirit. Neighbors are helping neighbors attain food and toilet paper. Family bonds are growing stronger through video calls and virtual game nights. And, manufacturing companies are finding ways to change gears and produce much-needed medical supplies.

Now is an important time to think about how history is preserved and how what we choose to save will determine how we will be seen by posterity. With this in mind, the Franklin Historical Museum asks that you consider sharing your COVID-19 stories with us. What has quarantine been like? Are you home alone or with family members? What have you done to stay connected to friends and family outside of your household? What have you done to stay entertained? Did you binge watch tv shows and movies? Did you learn a new skill? What were your favorite moments, your most challenging moments? What do you want people to take away from this moment in history?

Stories can be shared using this form and/or by tagging us on social media #franklinstayshome."

Here is the link: https://forms.gle/3ztGoasvjGVz8RXy9

--
Rebecca Finnigan
Archivist
Town of Franklin
80 West Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038
rfinnigan@franklinma.gov

Franklin Historical Museum: COVID-19 Archive Project Survey

Town Council Budget Hearing #2 - Recap - June 18, 2020

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #tcbh0618
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tcbh0618&src=typed_query

• Two options for listening/participating in the Town Council budget hearing tonight 1/2 = use your web browser to listen to http://wfpr.fm or tune to the radio dial at 102.9 in the Franklin area #tcbh0618 https://buff.ly/3hEjgQP

• Getting ready for real time reporting for the Town Council meeting tonight. Out on the FHS football field again, broadcasting live on the radio http://wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the Franklin area dial #tcbh0618
• Sound check underway, should be online soon #tcbh0618
• Another gorgeous evening here at FHS on the football field, Pisini Stadium. Less then a dozen folks in audience this evening (approx 75-80 last night) aside from Council and town management #tcbh0618

• Q on some items in DPW budget items, their budget is complex as they also support the enterprise funds, and trying to take care of storm water along the way. #tcbh0618 Q how many folks would you need? More than we have, we're about 2/3 of comparable Community
• Q on town bylaw to not touch a road after it has been rebuilt? Still in effect, does only cover the full rebuild, could modify the bylaw to include other types of repairs. #tcbh0618
• Cerel interjects to clarify unfunded mandate restriction of use to state imposition but not to the Federal government. #tcbh0618 Mercer asks Brutus for a brief primer for storm water. There have been info sessions on this, there will be a utility fee to assist
• We have to do the Storm water maintenance, the question is how we pay for it we could use the utility fee, or we just keep it in the budget. #tcbh0618 find much of the info here https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division
• Q if we needed to cut more where would you cut in the DPW? It could be in any number of areas but would also affect the looks and quality of life. #tcbh0618 the storm water utility could gradually get the items moved from operations to the utility
• Q on speculation of a farmer suit that could toss the regs and hence we would have lost the money? It is speculation, so no further answer required #tcbh0618 recognition for Cathy Liberty and Health Dept for the work on the pandemic
• Next up, Senior Center - Karen Alves current Director, and retiring; Erin Rogers, new Director, no questions, just recognition #tcbh0618
• Next up, Recreation - COVID-19 has been tough to deal with, lots of credits issued for programs we couldn't run, are getting ready to do some in July, mostly fee based programs #tcbh0618 court at Fletcher underway, nets for safety at the high school ball fields
• Approx $600K in grants over last five years for various projects for recreation. #tcbh0618 concerts in the common, socially distanced on then common for 4-5 weeks
• Q on debt/interest as percent of ops budget. Deep in the report are details showing the position where we are, some bonds will be paid off freeing up room for capital funding. There is a separate item on the agenda for a funding list. #tcbh0618 have good rating credit rating
• Another glorious evening out on the field tonight. #tcbh0618 update on the CARES Act for COVID expense, highly restricted for response only, not operations used for PPE, some technical items but not ops
• Recieved $1M in the first allocation, most of this was used for 1,000 Chromebooks for schools in prep for a possible hybrid model in September #tcbh0618 that completes the first run through of the budget line items
• Next up vote on the budget https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5a._resolution_20-31_adoption_of_fy21_budget.pdf. Passed 9-0, no roll call required this evening
• Next up Community Preservation Act  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5b._resolution_20-36_cpa_ballot_vote.pdf a surcharge of 2% proposed to be out on the ballot for the Nov election, passed 9-0, no roll call required
• Capital appropriation with draft set of projects https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5c._resolution_20-37_borrowing_authorization.pdf  Motion to approve, passed 9-0, again no roll call required
• So what do those three votes mean? After the discussions, no one steps up to call for additional revenue for schools although a year ago the Joint Budget Subcommittee called for it. What happened? The CPA is approved for voters to have their say #tcbh0618
• The third vote for capital is a reasonable and required appropriation. It definitely shows fiscal planning. However the fiscal planning on that is missing on the operational budget. #tcbh0618
• Councilor comments. #tcbh0618 by the way, the audience grew from when I first took a count, was about 2 dozen folks tonight.
• June 19, 2019 the joint budget subcommittee meeting notes https://franklinmatters.org/2019/06/fm-167-joint-budget-subcommittee.html refers to an override required for this year but not discussed tonight, maybe as this budget round continues #tcbh0618
• Chair Mercer closing meeting with this budget as a work in progress #tcbh0618 . This completes the reporting for tonight catch you all next time!

ready for the three votes to close out the procedings

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen explains; Assistant Chrissy Whelton listens